Cubs Edge Pirates 3-2 Behind Home Runs from Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki
CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, and Seiya Suzuki added a solo shot in the sixth as the Chicago Cubs secured a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night.
Cubs starter Jameson Taillon (7-3), facing his former team that picked him second overall in the 2010 draft, threw 6 1/3 solid innings. He allowed two earned runs on four hits — with three of those coming in the seventh inning — and struck out seven batters.
Reliever Ryan Pressly closed it out in the ninth for his fifth save of the season.
Pirates starter Andrew Heaney (3-5) also struck out seven, but allowed three earned runs over six innings.
Crow-Armstrong’s home run was his 18th this season, while Suzuki’s long ball marked his 17th. Those totals now place Crow-Armstrong fifth and Suzuki tied for sixth in the National League for home runs among outfielders.
The Pirates tried to rally in the seventh inning, scoring twice on an RBI single by Adam Frazier and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Jared Triolo.
Key Moment:
After Taillon allowed three straight hits in the seventh, reliever Brad Keller stepped in and hit one batter, then walked another. With the bases loaded, Oneil Cruz battled to a full count, but Keller struck him out swinging to preserve Chicago’s lead.
Key Stat:
Pittsburgh stranded five runners on base, while the Cubs left only two.
Up Next:
Game 2 of the series is set for Friday night, featuring Pirates rookie standout RHP Paul Skenes (4-6, 1.88 ERA) against Cubs RHP Cade Horton (3-1, 4.11 ERA).